Turkey hunters urged to be SMART

November 11, 2008|By the PA Game Commission, For the Daily American

As the fall turkey season winds down, the Pennsylvania Game Commission urges hunters to be alert and make sound shooting decisions.

“Staying alert and making sound shooting decisions will go a long way toward ensuring your safety and the safety of others in turkey season this fall,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief. “So, too, will always handling your sporting arm in a safe and responsible way.

“The Pennsylvania Game Commission has worked with the National Wild Turkey Federation and the agency’s cadre of volunteer hunter-trapper education instructors over the past decade to reverse what was a growing number of turkey hunting-related shooting incidents. Today, Pennsylvania’s woods are safer for turkey hunters. But hunters must remain vigilant. Paying attention and hunting safely ensures that your trip afield remains an enjoyable one.”

Hunters are urged to follow the SMART rules for firearms safety that is reinforced in the agency’s Hunter-Trapper Education Program. Being SMART with firearms will ensure you hunt safely and responsibly.

Turkey hunters should always hunt defensively, assuming every movement or sound they hear is another hunter until they can be absolutely certain that it isn’t. If you see another hunter approaching your calling location, don’t move or wave to get their attention. Yell, “Stop!” to verbally identify your presence.

Protect your back by sitting at the base of a large tree or rock. Make sure you positively identify your target as a turkey before you disengage the safety of your sporting arm.

Don’t shoot at movement or sounds you think might be a turkey. Let the turkeys come to you and watch their approach carefully.

In addition, consider wearing fluorescent orange clothing while afield at all times.